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According to a report from Sky’s Max Bielefeld, Bayern Munich striker Joshua Zirkzee will take his medical for Anderlecht this week and will likely leave Germany for a one-year loan assignment.
Bielefeld says that there will not be an option-to-buy included in the agreement, which is very curious considering the downward spiral that Zirkzee has been in for past season-and-a-half:
The negotiations between Zirkzee and Anderlecht are in the "final stages" now.
— Max Bielefeld (@Sky_MaxB) August 2, 2021
Deal is almost done! Medical expected to take place in the next days.
Loan for one year without option to buy. Bayern still believe in Joshua and they expect him back next summer.#TransferUpdate pic.twitter.com/QoM0jbH4tC
After a failed loan at Parma Calcio 1913 in the second half of last season, Zirkzee has struggled mightily during Bayern Munich’s preseason friendlies. Playing mostly out of position as a wing, Zirkzee has had trouble adjusting to the new role and has stood out for all of the wrong reasons.
Zirkzee could absolutely benefit from a fresh start and Anderlecht would seemingly be a good developmental ground for the talented Dutchman. Sometimes, a new setting — and some new voices — could be exactly what a player needs to rediscover to his or her game.